Blackburn Rovers have appointed Tony Mowbray as their new head coach for a second spell in charge. Mowbray, 62, spent more than five years managing Rovers between 2017 and 2022.

What happened?

Mowbray replaces Michael O'Neill, who decided not to take the job on a permanent basis following an interim role during the second half of last season. Mowbray has been in management for more than two decades and most recently led Sunderland, Birmingham, and West Brom after his first spell at Blackburn ended.

Why it matters for Blackburn Rovers

When he took over at Ewood Park initially in February 2017, he could not save Rovers from relegation to League One, but then won promotion back to the Championship in his first full campaign in charge. After re-establishing them in the second tier, Mowbray left at the end of the 2021-22 season and was replaced by Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Current context

As of the end of the 2025-26 season, Blackburn Rovers finished 20th in the Championship, with 52 points from 46 games, scoring 42 goals and conceding 56. They were 43 points behind leaders Coventry. | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 20th | | Points | 52 | | Goals scored | 42 | | Goals conceded | 56 | | Recent form | LWDLD |

Mowbray stepped away from the game while Birmingham boss in early 2024 following a health scare, and later revealed he had been undergoing treatment for bowel cancer. He returned as Baggies head coach in January 2025, but was sacked just three months later. Blackburn said Mowbray would 'lead a new chapter for the club' and brings 'a wealth of experience, strong footballing principles, and a clear understanding of the club's identity and ambitions'. Mowbray is experienced enough to understand the dynamics of the club, including the delicate relationship between the fanbase and the ownership.